ISSU Statement : Leaving Certificate Results Release and Progression

The ISSU is disappointed to not have been included in the discussion around the Leaving Certificate results release prior to it being announced on Thursday 16th July. 

Students are sharing their queries and concerns with the ISSU and we will communicate these with the Department to seek clarity on all matters of concern as soon as possible.

The importance of effective collaboration and communication has been pivotal since the closure of schools on March 12th. The ISSU would hope for this approach of engagement with all  stakeholders to continue going forward in navigating through this difficult time in education. Students are understandably frustrated that this information has come completely out of the blue through media sources, without a centralised line of communication.

We welcome the fact that a clear timeline has been announced and students now know when they will have their results. However, with the release of results being delayed by three weeks, this will undoubtedly have a negative impact for some students in their ability to prepare for the transition to the next step in their education. Since the announcement, concerns have been expressed by students on the difficulties this may cause in securing accommodation and the financial implications this delay could have. We expect the Department to work to address and find remedies to these impacts so students may progress to the next stages of their lives.

We congratulate Minister Foley on reaching an agreement with UCAS, however it is imperative that the guidelines on procedures for students applying overseas is disseminated as soon as possible to ascertain that these students will not be disadvantaged.

We are aware that the reason for the delay is that these results need to be able to stand up to scrutiny and to ensure the integrity of the Leaving Certificate State Examinations - it is vital that students' qualifications are of an equal standard to other years and we recognise the national standardisation process is essential in ensuing this.

The ISSU will continue to seek answers to these questions from the Department and we hope that these series of events will ensure there is a stronger line of communication and consultation between students and other stakeholders going forward. 

Anti-Racism Resource Book Launch

We, the Irish Second-Level Students Union, stand in full solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

We cannot ignore racism and discrimination. We must confront it, in ourselves, in our society and especially at school.

The ISSU have created an anti-racism resource book to help you safely take action and to help you understand and support this Global Movement.

Is féidir leat é a fháil anseo

ISSU Calls for Renewal of Department of Children & Youth Affairs

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU)  is calling on all political leaders to ensure the retention of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

In 2011 the Irish government established the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). This was a milestone in Irish history and a proud achievement - our government recognising the value of Ireland’s youth and beginning to address the issues that we faced.

In spite of the achievements and accomplishments over the last nine years, recent media reports have suggested that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is to be abolished. Instead of a strong youth advocate working to include young people in policy, the ministry may be closed and the work of the DCYA diluted and distributed to other ministries - this is not sustainable.

The ISSU is appealing to the incoming government to recognise the importance of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and allow it to continue its pivotal role as the advocate for children and young people at the cabinet table.

Call for ISSU Charitable Trustee: Student Advocacy Director (Irish Second-Level Students' Union)

Please note: Shortlisted applications will only be considered from Alumni of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union former officer panel as recent intimate organisation knowledge is vital for this post.  

The role:

The ISSU are seeking a trustee to act as a Student Advocacy Director. The Board are particularly interested in individuals with recent and relevant experience in/or knowledge of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union.

The organisation:

The Irish Second Level Students' Union is the umbrella body for student councils in secondary schools in Ireland. Founded in 2008, it works towards an education system in which students are recognised as an official partner in creating a student-centred education that truly caters to their needs.The ISSU believes in empowering students, regardless of their background, to use their voice and become active citizens in society. The ISSU continues to grow as an organisation and bring the student voice to issues of a national interest

General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee & Company Director:

• Comply with the charity’s governing documents

• Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit

• Acting in the best interest of the charity

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Manage the assets of the charity

Charity trustees may not profit from carrying out their duties as a charity trustee. Board members do not receive remuneration for Board membership. Travel and Subsistence will be paid in line with ISSU policy and public sector rates.

Grounds for being disqualified from being a charity trustee include if a person:

• is adjudicated bankrupt;

• enters into a formal court approved insolvency arrangement with the Insolvency Service of Ireland;

• is convicted on indictment of an offence; and

• is a company that is in the course of being wound up.

Candidate specification requirements and responsibilities include the following:

• Providing input to the strategic direction of the organisation and contributing with insight

• Providing oversight and experience of strategy formulation

• Organisational administrative policy formulation and implementation, as required 

• A deep appreciation and knowledge of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union’s objectives and structures

• Advocating for and providing a voice for Student’s interest at voice at Board level, liaising with the National Student Executive, Monitoring Committee and Regional Fora on a regular basis.

• An understanding of and commitment to our mission and values 

• Commitment to highest levels of corporate governance

• Additional experience with youth organisations/student representative organisations would be an asset

Board Meetings:

There will be a minimum of 4 board meetings a year, with some committee work outside of these meetings. Meetings are held in Liberty Hall, Dublin. Meetings can also be held virtually from time to time and voting would take place virtually.

Term of Office: 

The term of office will be two years with the possibility of renewable by agreement of the Board for an additional term of two years, if the trustee desires.

National Student Executive Takes Office

Today, June 10th 2020, the National Student Executive 2020-21 of the ISSU has taken office for the year ahead.

Headed by Reuban Murray and Luke Casserly as President and Deputy President respectively, the 12 members of the NSE will work for the upcoming year to further student voice in schools and work on students’ behalf in the education system.

The full NSE can be seen HERE

Call for Trustee with Fundraising experience

The Role:

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is seeking an individual with proven knowledge and experience of fundraising in the NGO sector. Previous voluntary experience serving on a Board or Committee is desirable. 

The Organisation:

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union CLG (ISSU) is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The main object for which the ISSU is established is to contribute to the advancement of second-level education of all second-level students in order to improve and enrich the education of each student and to support the involvement of students at all stages of their education so that they achieve their full potential, and as responsible citizens, improve society.

General Trustee Duties of a Charity Trustee & Company Director:

• Compliance with the charity’s governing documents

• Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit

• Acting in the best interest of the charity

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Manage the assets of your charity

Charity trustees may not profit from carrying out their duties as a charity trustee. Board members do not receive remuneration for Board membership. Travel and subsistence will be paid in line with ISSU policy and public sector rates.

Grounds for being disqualified from being a charity trustee include if a person:

• is adjudicated bankrupt;

• enters into a formal court approved insolvency arrangement with the Insolvency Service of Ireland;

• is convicted on indictment of an offence; and

• is a company that is in the course of being wound up.

Candidate specification includes the following:

• The candidate should have previous NGO fundraising expertise, ideally with 5 years+ experience.

• The role of the successful candidate will be to advise on and monitor the new fundraising opportunities and revenue streams for the ISSU.

• The successful candidate will regularly inspect an overview of the finances to advise the Board on financial implications of proposals, cash flow problems etc. 

• The successful candidate will offer oversight of compliance and risk management in line with usual board responsibilities.

Board Meetings:

There will be a minimum of 4 board meetings a year, with some committee work outside of these meetings. Meetings are held in Liberty Hall, Dublin. Meetings can also be held virtually from time to time and voting would take place virtually